'Does He Not Know Better?': Disbelief In Waterbury Over Rowland's Latest Fall

WATERBURY — In John Rowland's hometown, once dubbed the center of the universe for all the money and attention he gave it during his 10 years as governor, there was disbelief on Saturday that Rowland is once again guilty of political corruption and, once again, facing prison.

"He should have known better," said Ray Flanders of Waterbury.

"He's been through this once," added his wife, Isabel Flanders. "Does he not know better?"

"I just can't believe it," said Roland Brunetti, a Prospect resident who was back in his native Waterbury Saturday morning to do some shopping. "I just can't believe a smart guy like that would do it again."

But it did happen again. On Friday, a federal jury in New Haven convicted the 57-year-old former three-term governor of conspiracy, two counts of falsifying records in order to obstruct an investigation, two counts of causing false reports to be filed with the Federal Election Commission and two counts of exceeding campaign contribution limits, plus one count of conspiracy.

There are few things in this world more exciting than breaking news in the newsroom, so when the word came in that former governor and now twice convicted felon John Rowland was found guilty on all counts, it was electric. Over the years we’ve had breaking news of all kinds, most of it tragic,... (Bob Englehart)

A decade ago, Rowland served 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to corruption charges.

"He already had a strike against him," Isabel Flanders said. "That means he had a bulls-eye on his back. You better behave, and he didn't."

There remains great affection for Rowland in some corners of Waterbury, and great concern for his wife and family now that Rowland is likely headed back to prison.

Asked if Rowland's second conviction was another black eye for Waterbury, several residents said they did not think so, especially since Rowland moved to neighboring Middlebury years ago.

"People took it personally the first time," said Philip Benevento of Waterbury. "Here's a guy the people of Waterbury looked up to."

People were willing to accept Rowland's story of redemption after his time in prison, Benevento said. "He found religion and was a reformed person, [but] it was just hypocrisy," Benevento said.

Robert Blake, a long-time Waterbury resident who now lives in Plymouth, said he feels bad for Rowland's family, but not Rowland. "As long as they catch [corrupt politicians], it's a better world," he said. "It's good that the justice system worked effectively."

Blake's sister, Patricia Blake, said that Rowland's conduct was outrageous and that she hopes the judge is "not afraid to throw the book at him."

Robert McCready of Waterbury said that Rowland deserves his punishment, but that he also thinks it's important that Lisa Wilson-Foley and her husband, Brian Foley, go to prison for their role in the scheme that led to Rowland's conviction Friday.

Foley and Wilson-Foley admitted in federal court in March that they used a sham consulting contract with Rowland to pay him for secret political assistance to Wilson-Foley's 2012 campaign for the 5th District Congressional seat. Both Foleys pleaded guilty to conspiring with Rowland and others to violate campaign finance law by concealing $35,000 Brian Foley paid the ex-governor in 2011 and 2012 through a business and law office associated with his nursing home chain, Apple Rehab.